China's 'next leader' in hardline rant

Xi Jinping, the man earmarked to become China's next president, has roundly attacked his country's critics while giving a speech in Mexico.

Xi Jinping: Mr Xi launched into an outspoken rant that provided a rare insight into his characterPhoto: AFP

By Malcolm Moore in Shanghai

7:57AM GMT 16 Feb 2009

Mr Xi, 55, is touring South America in his role as deputy president and, although it is widely acknowledged that he will be Hu Jintao's successor as China's leader, very little is known about him.

Despite his high rank, he keeps a far lower profile than either Mr Hu or Wen Jiabao, the current prime minister.

Until Mr Xi was appointed to the politburo last year, he was most famous for being the son of Xi Zhongxun, one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party.

While passing through Mexico, however, Mr Xi launched into an outspoken rant that provided a rare insight into his character.

After proudly claiming that China has already made its contribution to the financial crisis by making sure its own 1.3 billion people are fed, he said that "there are a few foreigners, with full bellies, who have nothing better to do than try to point fingers at our country".

He added: "China does not export revolution, hunger, poverty, nor does China cause you any headaches. Just what else do you want?"

Commentators suggested that Mr Xi was lashing out at his Mexican hosts for siding with Britain and the United States in calling for China to improve its human rights record.

China has also recently come under attack from the US for "manipulating" its currency and distorting world trade, although these comments were toned down at last week's G7 meeting in Rome.

The phrase "having a full stomach and nothing better to do" is an earthy insult in Chinese for cynical troublemakers.

His speech was judged far too inflammatory by censors inside China, and was instantly deleted from websites and news reports.

Chinese nationalists instantly jumped on Mr Xi's words, offering support for his hardline position and criticising the government for being too diplomatic in its dealings with foreigners. They lauded Mr Xi's frankness in comparison to the staid caution of Mr Hu and Mr Wen.

However, their support was shortlived. Bloggers trying to write about Mr Xi's speech soon had their posts taken down by censors.